The Democracy Fund works on things that make democracy work better. Created out of a deep respect for the U.S. Constitution and our nation’s core democratic values, we invest in organizations working to ensure that our political system is able to withstand new challenges and deliver on its promise to the American people. At the heart of our vision for the future are three core commitments: fostering more effective governance in the United States, modernizing our election and campaign finance systems, and strengthening our media to help people understand and participate in the democratic process.

For all regular full-time positions, the Democracy Fund offers:

A competitive base salary and performance incentive pay

A retirement savings plan, including an employer contribution as well as an employer match

Legal Fellow

The Democracy Fund is a bipartisan foundation that invests in organizations working to ensure that our political system is able to withstand new challenges and deliver on its promise to the American people. At the heart of our vision for the future are three core commitments: fostering more effective governance in the United States, modernizing our election and campaign finance systems, and strengthening our media and the public square to help people understand and participate in the democratic process. To date, we have committed more than $100 million in support of a healthy democracy. More information about the Democracy Fund and our sister 501c4 organization Democracy Fund Voice may be found at www.democracyfund.org and www.democracyfundvoice.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Democracy Fund is seeking a highly motivated second or third-year law student to support the Senior Counsel’s work for the organization for Fall 2018.

This paid position provides a unique opportunity for a law student and creative thinker committed to improving our democracy to support a growing organization. Democracy Fund welcomes applicants from across the political spectrum. The ideal candidate will have an interest in nonprofit tax, campaign finance, and election issues and should be looking for an opportunity to learn about the legal issues that emerge within an innovative nonprofit organizational structure. The Legal Fellow will work closely with the Senior Counsel to support and guide Democracy Fund by taking on a wide range of substantive and administrative tasks. The Legal Fellow also will support the work of Democracy Fund Voice, a separate social welfare organization.

Research and analyze legal and policy issues relating to the Democracy Fund’s functional and strategic objectives

Provide initial legal review on contracts and grant agreements

Provide logistical support during meetings and trainings with Program and Operations teams, which may include note-taking, drafting memoranda, scheduling, proofing and copy editing materials

Support Democracy Fund efforts to improve data collection and knowledge management, strengthen learning systems, and foster a culture of learning

Actively engage with all Democracy Fund staff as a capable and collaborative team member.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

A deep passion for strengthening American democracy

Willingness to contribute, learn, and respectfully engage with those with different perspectives

Ability to work 10-15 hours per week during the fall semester (schedule flexible up to 3 days per week)

Enrollment in an ABA accredited law school

Excellent legal research and advocacy skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Results-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think strategically

Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Professional demeanor

Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team

Eagerness to learn, high self-motivation, and orientation towards details

Experience with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample (less than 1500 words). No calls please.

The Democracy Fund offers a paid internship program in an inclusive environment that gives students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to make important professional contributions to our work. For the Summer 2018 term, the pay rate is $25/hour for graduate level fellows. The Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, race, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply.